Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Nurul Islam BSc on Wednesday said the government has planned to send 12 lakhs overseas workers to different countries this year.

This was revealed at a press briefing in the conference room of the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry here.

Narul said, "In 2017, we have sent over 10 lakh workers to foreign countries, which are 33 percent higher than that of last year."

Highlighting successes of his ministry, he said, the government has intensified various initiatives to enhance efficiency of workers aiming at earning more foreign currency.

At present, foreign job seekers are being given training from six Institute of Marine of Technologies and 64 technical training centres, the minister said adding, "We are taking initiatives to set up 40 technical training centres in the first phase while 50 technical training centres in the second phase."

The government has decentralized visa related services for the convenience of overseas workers, he added.-BSS